Transwerk Durban has implemented D-Link products for their one-stop networking needs, gearing Transwerk for the Y2K challenge.
Transwerk Durban`s core business is medium engineering with the primary focus on providing a service to Transnet, Spoornet and various companies in the private sector.
According to Allan Heymans, network manager at Transwerk Durban, their main challenge was to become Y2K compliant. "We needed a solution that was upgradeable, expandable and reliable," he says.
The network comprised an MRP computer system, called MCBA, running on a DEC Vax computer. The three fibre optic cables connected to the RAD multiplexers enabled the various workshops to access the database.
D-Link`s channel development manager, Attie Pienaar says: "Not only has the network grown progressively, but the needs of the various businesses, which included access to information and the regular capturing of data, were also determined. Transwerk Durban was not completely sure what products they needed to upgrade their network to be able to face the Y2K challenge.
After assessing the network, D-Link deployed a number of products."
Heymans says, "We use D-Link`s DE-220P, DE-530T and DFE-530TX network cards where the DFE-530TX provides an avenue for 100Mbps data transfer. Three DE-1608 multimedia repeaters - combining coaxial, UTP and 8 fibre optic cable links - are in use. These repeaters will be migrated to DES-1008M modular dual speed switches accommodating from coaxial up to 100Mbps fibre optic cable."
"Transwerk`s growing network required three switches. The DES-1008M switch supplies a 100Mbps fibre capability and the DES-3205 and DES-1008 provides improved network performance."
Transwerk has 26 hubs on the network including the DE-1812i and the DE-1824i models, providing 300 plus network points for the existing employees and a capacity of 624 network points for future expansion.
"Since we have introduced D-Link`s quality products to our network and combined it with SAP/R3, we have not looked back and we believe that we are now geared for Y2K," concludes Heymans.
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